Topical Bible: Symbols and Similitudes: Handwriting on the Wall

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The phrase "handwriting on the wall" originates from the biblical account found in the Book of Daniel, specifically Daniel 5. This event is a significant symbol and similitude within the biblical narrative, representing divine judgment and the imminent downfall of a kingdom due to its moral and spiritual failings.

Biblical Account

In Daniel 5, we encounter the account of Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, who held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles. During this feast, Belshazzar, in a display of arrogance and sacrilege, commanded that the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought so that he and his guests might drink from them. As they drank wine and praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, a mysterious and supernatural event occurred.

"Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote" (Daniel 5:5). This miraculous occurrence left the king terrified, his face turned pale, and his knees knocked together in fear.

Interpretation by Daniel

The king's wise men and enchanters were unable to interpret the writing, which further increased the king's distress. At the suggestion of the queen, Daniel, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and visions, was summoned. Daniel, a Jewish exile and servant of the Most High God, was brought before the king to provide the interpretation.

Daniel reminded Belshazzar of the fate of his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, who was humbled by God due to his pride. He then interpreted the writing on the wall, which read "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN." Daniel explained: "This is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians" (Daniel 5:26-28).

Symbolism and Significance

The "handwriting on the wall" serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the consequences of pride and idolatry. It underscores the biblical principle that God is sovereign over the affairs of nations and individuals, and that He holds them accountable for their actions. The event illustrates the suddenness and inevitability of divine judgment when a nation or individual persists in sin and rebellion against God.

The phrase has transcended its biblical origins to become a common idiom in the English language, often used to indicate an impending doom or inevitable fate that is apparent to all but those who are directly involved.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the handwriting on the wall is a reminder of God's omniscience and justice. It serves as a warning to those who, like Belshazzar, live in defiance of God's commandments and fail to acknowledge His sovereignty. The narrative encourages believers to live righteously, recognizing that God sees all actions and will ultimately bring justice to bear.

In the broader context of Scripture, this event foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will come upon the world at the end of the age, as described in the prophetic writings of both the Old and New Testaments. It calls believers to remain vigilant, faithful, and humble before God, trusting in His righteous judgment and sovereign plan.

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Daniel 5:5,6,16-28
In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
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